Fallout: A Gripping Dive into Humanity Amidst Post-Apocalyptic Turmoil on Prime Video

Picture a realm where 219 years have elapsed following a catastrophic nuclear detonation, and a small faction of humanity has found refuge in opulent underground vaults — cultured sanctuaries where existence is as idyllic as possible. It’s akin to having a guide to navigate a simplified life in tunnels, aside from the peculiarity of seeing projections of the outside world displayed on a virtual screen.

Beyond these vaults, the environment is odd, terrifying, perilous, contaminated, tumultuous, horrific, and unpredictable — in essence, the landscape has become a true nightmare. You might contract radiation sickness, encounter oversized cockroaches, face pursuit from mutated humans, or be compelled to sell your teeth for survival.

Brace yourself, for this is merely the onset! Welcome to the captivating realm of Prime Video’s Fallout, a post-apocalyptic series inspired by the acclaimed video game franchise of the same name. While it is situated within the same universe, the series does not strictly adapt a specific game; instead, it weaves in key themes and features from the games, introducing recognizable elements such as ghouls, gulpers, pip-boys, and beyond.

As someone who has never engaged with a Fallout game and isn’t particularly fond of violence, I anticipated feeling bored, disgusted, and dragged along throughout the show — yet my experience was everything but that! In reality, the show kept me captivated from start to finish, and whenever my attention slightly waned, something astonishing would occur.

Fallout TV Series Review: Not Your Typical Video Game Adaptation

Aaron Moten’s Maximus assists Lucy in her unpredictable expedition on the surface

The Fallout TV series transcends being a mere R-rated video game adaptation. It certainly contains a multitude of gruesome scenes, featuring people brutalizing eyes with forks, extracting teeth with their bare hands, stapling injuries, blowing off heads like birthday candles, and dismembering all that’s human. However, Fallout delves into the subtle nuances of human emotions while exploring the intricate tapestry of conflict, political turmoil, existentialism, and more. It will elicit laughter, gasps, expletives, and eye rolls all at once.

As we delve into the story, we are introduced to Ella Purnell’s Lucy, a refined individual hailing from Vault No. 33, who is now on the lookout for a suitable partner from another vault — primarily because she has grown weary of the “cousin situation,” which she argues is not an ideal long-term reproductive strategy (her words, not ours!).

Events unfold, and Lucy resolves to defy the rules and venture into the real world on a mission, blissfully unaware of the challenges that await her, launching into the adventure of a lifetime. It’s painfully amusing to observe her maintain her politeness with criminals, even when her life hangs in the balance. She might offer a brief lecture on why she should shoot you, express disapproval of torture while facing violent monstrosities, and politely ask for directions with a gun aimed at you.

In the real world, she meets Maximus (Aaron Moten), a newly minted squire from Brotherhood of Steel — the militaristic group attempting to reestablish order in the wasteland. He’s destined to serve Knight Titus one day. For those familiar with the games, yes, the soldier knights sport powerful T60 suits in the series. Maximus appears to be an underdog among his peers and frequently becomes their target. However timid he may seem, he is imbued with ambition and fueled by jealousy. In essence, he embodies human complexity.

Another character Lucy encounters — who truly captivated me — is Walton Goggins’s brash, cowboy-dressed ghoul who exudes sarcasm. This loathsome being has survived since the nuclear fallout, lacking a nose, speaking with a distinctive accent, and displaying a penchant for torture. He carries an enigmatic and compelling presence, filled with some of the most cutting dialogue. You may loathe him intensely, yet you can’t help but be fascinated by him. The show’s writers have masterfully evolved his character across the eight episodes, which is commendable. (Sorry, I can’t divulge more without revealing spoilers).

Fallout TV Series Review: Subplots Enhance the Appeal

The narrative threads of all three protagonists are equally compelling and intertwined, but Fallout also boasts multiple subplots that don’t overcrowd the screenplay.

One significant subplot involves Lucy’s brother Norm (Moisés Arias), a timid character lacking in enthusiasm. Yet through Norm’s evolution, the series adeptly illustrates the innate human drive for survival. The urge to persevere can plunge into the depths of despair yet spring back into action when opportunity arises.

Fallout Review: Screenplay Explores the Nuances of Human Emotion

Walton Goggins’ character arc is particularly intriguing in the series

This is the remarkable aspect of Fallout’s screenplay. It seamlessly navigates the subtle complexities of human emotions, creating moments that feel entirely authentic and relatable. Whether depicting former victims turning into oppressors or suppressed feelings briefly surfacing, or even depicting human predators pausing in a violent confrontation to enjoy cake, the writers have done a remarkable job of keeping everything grounded in reality, despite the stylized post-apocalyptic setting.

The same holds true for the themes of political instability, class disparity, and potential repercussions of unregulated capitalism, all presented with intelligence. Scrupulous attention has been given to finer details as well, such as the books read within the vaults and even the breakfasts served. The production design is rich with nuance. For example, while the vaults boast advanced technology, the TV sets are reminiscent of those displayed mere moments before the catastrophic event. A wedding dress continues to be passed down through generations, with the names of brides etched inside along with the years of their unions.

Also notable is how vault residents, who have never ventured outside in their lifetimes, possess extensive knowledge of Shakespearean literature and advanced physics, aspiring to «re-colonize» and «civilize» the real world someday — illustrating how humanity might cling to the last vestiges of civilized life when confined in isolation.

The background score in Fallout is outstanding, effectively capturing the dichotomies of existence in a post-apocalyptic landscape. The choice to employ a romantic tune during a scene with two nearly decomposed heads colliding, or to feature Herb Alpert’s slow and sultry Ladyfinger while four terrified individuals are at gunpoint, is striking. The score cleverly surprises with unexpected notes at the most unforeseen times. A special acknowledgment goes to the show’s composer Ramin Djawadi for crafting a score that complements the darkly whimsical world of Fallout.

Fallout TV Series Review: Final Thoughts

All eight episodes of Fallout are now available for streaming on Prime Video. While each episode brims with suspense and surprises, it’s around the midpoint of the series that you’ll likely be left astounded. The show compels you to ponder the very essence of conflict, the fate of humanity, the fundamental values of existence, and the eerie nature of a post-apocalyptic realm. With a finale that leaves viewers with more questions than answers, a second season appears promising. Fallout is an exhilarating blend of adventure, survival, humor, greed, and uncertainty, potentially attracting an entirely new audience to the captivating universe established by the video game series.